Persea caerulea, commonly known as the Red Bay, is an evergreen tree native to coastal plains, maritime forests, and swamp margins in Central and South America. It typically grows to a height of 35-50 feet (10-15 meters) with a spread of 20-30 feet (6-9 meters). The Red Bay is characterized by its dense, conical to rounded crown, smooth reddish-brown bark, and aromatic, leathery leaves. It produces small, yellowish-green flowers in the spring, which are not particularly showy but are attractive to pollinators. The fruit is a dark blue to black drupe, enjoyed by birds and wildlife.

The Red Bay is valued for its evergreen foliage, which provides year-round interest, and its ability to thrive in a variety of soil conditions, including wet areas. It is used in native plant gardens, as a specimen tree, and for reforestation projects. It prefers full sun to part shade and requires well-drained soil. While it is generally low-maintenance, it is susceptible to the Red Bay Ambrosia Beetle, which spreads a fungal disease called Laurel Wilt that can be fatal to the tree. There is no widespread effective control for this disease, so prevention and monitoring are crucial.CC BY-SA 4.0